Paulshof residents have taken a hands-on approach to tackling the growing problem of illegal dumping by repairing and securing an old gate along the suburb’s greenbelt.

The initiative follows the dumping of building rubble at the greenbelt near the corner of Brackenhill and Stonehaven, prompting members of local ratepayers’ associations to look at ways of preventing vehicles from accessing the area.

Read more: Chartwell’s dumping crisis worsens

According to Jennie Staples, a committee member of the Paulshof Residents and Ratepayers Association (PRRA), two gates and fencing were installed by residents several decades ago to restrict vehicle access to the open area. “Over time, the fencing was broken, the gates rusted and the locks disappeared,” Staples said.
Early in 2026, a load of building rubble was dumped on the southern bank of the greenbelt by unknown persons. Residents reported the matter to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (City Parks), but the rubble remained until City Parks removed it in August.

Rather than leave the area vulnerable to further dumping, residents decided to restore one of the old gates. “Members of the local ratepayers’ associations wanted to prevent this area from becoming yet another easy access point for dumping,” Staples said. “They looked at the disused gate and realised that for a modest sum it could be renovated and locked once more, keeping one small part of the greenbelt safe.”

A local handyman was appointed to repair and paint the gate and install a new lock. Savika was also approached and agreed to keep keys for access by security patrols.

The work cost R1 480 and was jointly funded by the PRRA and The Hof Residents Association. According to Staples, the cost was shared because the PRRA works across Paulshof, while the area falls within Central Paulshof, which is covered by The Hof’s security-focused activities.

Once the gate was restored, residents were approached to contribute towards the cost. Although the full amount was not recovered, Staples said several residents made generous donations. “The associations are very grateful for the donations as they can then look to other improvements in the area,” she said.

A second gate has been identified as a possible future project, although Staples said it would require fencing and would cost considerably more.

The initiative comes as residents raise concerns about illegal dumping at several locations across Paulshof. “The dumping of rubble along the greenbelts and along Witkoppen Road in Paulshof has become an increasing problem in 2026,” Staples said.

Also read: Darkness fuels illegal dumping in Sunninghill

She said several loads had been dumped near the low-lying Witkoppen Bridge, where residents have since erected a ‘No dumping’ sign to discourage access.

Pikitup general manager Anthony Selepe urged residents who witness illegal dumping to report it to JMPD, as illegal dumping is a contravention of the waste by-laws and enforcement falls under JMPD.

He said reports are more useful when residents provide details such as the date and time of the incident, the vehicle’s registration number and photographs showing the vehicle involved.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said there is no excuse for illegal dumping and reminded residents and businesses that waste must be disposed of at licensed landfills or Pikitup sites.

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